Qixingtan Beach, located on the coast of Xincheng Township just northeast of Hualien City center, is one of Hualien County’s most iconic and beloved coastal destinations.
Despite its name, which translates to “Seven Stars Lake,” it is not a lake but a beautifully sculpted crescent-shaped bay, renowned for its pristine azure Pacific waters, unique pebble beach, and breathtaking vistas where the majestic Central Mountain Range meets the vast ocean.
Qixingtan’s intriguing nomenclature is steeped in local history, while its strategic location allows visitors to simultaneously admire Taiwan’s towering peaks and the boundless Pacific, making it an ideal spot for sunrise viewing, cycling, leisurely strolls, and simply soaking in the refreshing sea breeze.
Unique Features of Qixingtan
Qixingtan’s undeniable allure begins with its extraordinary “pebble beach,” a captivating deviation from the typical sandy coastlines.
Unique pebble and breathtaking vistas
This remarkable shore is carpeted with countless smooth, rounded stones, each a testament to the ocean’s artistry, meticulously polished by the relentless, rhythmic ebb and flow of the waves.
These diverse pebbles, ranging in a subtle spectrum from muted grays to rich earthy reds and even hints of deeper blues, offer a truly unique tactile delight underfoot.
Their gentle, almost musical shifting creates a soft, natural symphony that is both profoundly soothing and grounding, inviting visitors to connect intimately with the landscape.
While their inherent beauty is undeniably tempting, it is paramount that these natural treasures remain untouched; taking them is strongly discouraged, a vital measure to preserve the delicate natural environment, prevent coastal erosion, and ensure this precious, unique landscape endures for generations to come.
Crescent-shaped bay
Beyond its tangible wonders, the bay itself unfolds in a graceful, crescent shape, mirroring the delicate curve of a new moon cradling the vast expanse of the ocean.
This elegant arc perfectly frames the distant, majestic silhouettes of the mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop against which the rhythmic crashing waves perform their eternal, mesmerizing dance.
As the bay faces directly into the boundless Pacific, the water at Qixingtan boasts remarkable clarity, its pristine nature further enhanced by the distinctly visible pebble seabed below.
This allows sunlight to penetrate deep into the depths, illuminating an almost ethereal underwater world and fostering a profound sense of connection with the ocean’s untouched purity.
Soothing murmur of the waves
The constant, soothing murmur of the waves, a natural lullaby, provides a therapeutic auditory backdrop, inviting quiet contemplation and instilling a deep, pervasive sense of peace throughout the entire atmosphere.
The enchantment of Qixingtan transcends the daylight hours, extending from the first blush of dawn until the deepest hours of night.
Awsome sunrises
Early mornings here are nothing short of spectacular, offering some of Taiwan’s most breathtaking Pacific sunrises.
As the sun majestically ascends from the horizon, it orchestrates a magnificent display, painting the sky in vibrant, evolving hues of fiery orange, delicate pink, and shimmering gold.
This celestial artistry casts a dazzling, ever-changing glow across the tranquil waters and the pebble-strewn shore, transforming the entire landscape into a living, breathing masterpiece.
Dazzling canopy of stars
And as twilight yields to darkness, especially on clear evenings, Qixingtan unveils a truly dazzling canopy of stars.
Far removed from the intrusive glow of urban light pollution, this celestial display significantly enhances the tranquil seaside ambiance, offering a profound and humbling connection to the vast, infinite cosmos, ensuring that every moment spent here becomes a truly unforgettable experience.
Naming and History
The naming of Qixingtan is rich with historical layers and local lore, reflecting both indigenous heritage and periods of colonial influence:
Malongayangay – a place to rest
This is the Amis indigenous name for the Qixingtan area, meaning “a place to rest.”
It is said that in the past, Amis people would come here to rest after fishing or farming, hence the name.
This designation highlights the deep connection between the indigenous communities and the land, as well as their history of living and working in this beautiful locale.
Cikatingan – a Japanese transliteration of the local Amis term
During the Japanese colonial period, the Qixingtan area was referred to as “Cikatingan,” a Japanese transliteration of the local Amis term.
At that time, the Japanese undertook significant infrastructure development in the area, establishing it as an important fishing and military base.
After World War II, the area was renamed “Qixingtan” (Seven Stars Lake) due to the presence of seven small, interconnected lakes nearby (most of which have since been filled in), whose arrangement was thought to resemble the Big Dipper constellation.
Nearby Attractions
The area surrounding Qixingtan is rich with diverse attractions, blending natural beauty with cultural experiences and recreational opportunities:
Si Ba Gao Di (四八高地) – Recommended
Si Ba Gao Di, an elevated area north of Qixingtan, is named for its approximate 48-meter height.
Once a restricted military zone, it’s now partially open, blending historical intrigue with panoramic natural beauty.
Its strategic past as a coastal defense point is evident in remnants of military bunkers and lookout posts.
Ascending this hidden gem offers a breathtaking new perspective of Qixingtan’s iconic crescent shape and the vast, shimmering Pacific. It’s an unparalleled vista for photographers, especially at sunrise or sunset, where history whispers through the wind and nature’s grandeur is fully on display, offering a profound sense of scale and beauty.
Qixingtan Katsuo Museum (七星柴魚博物館)
Not far from Qixingtan, this is Taiwan’s first museum dedicated to katsuo (bonito flakes).
The museum introduces the production process, history, and cultural significance of bonito flakes, offering related product sales and hands-on activities, allowing visitors to delve deeper into this traditional fishery product.
Mambo Ecological Leisure Park (曼波生態休閒園區)
Located south of Qixingtan, this park is themed around the “Mambo fish” (Ocean Sunfish).
Formerly a fishing port, it has been transformed into a leisure area promoting marine ecology and fishing culture.
The park features restaurants, cafes, and marine-themed art installations.
Yuan Ye Ranch (原野牧場)
Located on a hillside adjacent to Qixingtan, this is a leisure farm themed around goat’s milk.
Visitors can enjoy fresh goat’s milk coffee, goat’s milk buns, and other specialty products while overlooking the stunning Qixingtan seascape.
The ranch offers a peaceful and relaxing environment.
Hualien Port Coastal Bikeway (花蓮港濱自行車道) – Recommended
This scenic bikeway connects Qixingtan, Hualien Port, and Nanbin Park, stretching for approximately 15 kilometers.
Along the route, cyclists are treated to beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the urban landscape of Hualien City on the other, making it an excellent choice for experiencing Hualien’s coastline.
Hualien Air Force Base (空軍花蓮基地)
Located near Qixingtan, this is an important air force base in Taiwan.
While not open to the public, during specific times (such as open house events or exercises), visitors at Qixingtan may have the opportunity to witness the spectacular sight of fighter jets taking off and landing, adding a powerful element to the coastal scenery.
Hualien Environmental Park (花蓮環保公園)
Situated south of Qixingtan, this park was originally a landfill that has been revitalized into an ecological park.
It features expansive lawns and walking trails, perfect for strolls and kite-flying, and offers a different perspective for viewing the Qixingtan seascape.
Getting Here & Transportation
Qixingtan Beach is easily accessible from Hualien City and Hualien Railway Station, with several transportation options:
- By Car or Scooter: From Hualien City, take Provincial Highway 9 north or follow Huaxi Road/Coastal Road (Provincial Highway 193) north. The drive takes approximately 15-20 minutes. There are well-equipped parking lots around Qixingtan.
- By Taxi(Recommended): A taxi from Hualien Railway Station or the city center takes about 15-20 minutes, costing approximately NT$200-300.
- By Bus: You can take Hualien Bus Route 105 (towards Qixingtan). Bus services are less frequent, so it’s advisable to check the timetable in advance.
- By Bicycle: Cycling from Hualien City along the Two Lakes Bikeway (connecting Nanbin Park to Qixingtan) is an excellent way to experience Hualien’s coastline, offering beautiful scenery along the way.
Our online store.
Create Your Space
Starting at
11.99US$
Instantly Yours
Your Next Masterpiece
Ready to Print
Hualien’s Coastal Gem, Where History Meets Natural Hues.
Qixingtan Beach is more than just a natural wonder of Hualien; it’s a vibrant coastal area brimming with history and recreational opportunities.
From witnessing breathtaking sunrises to exploring its unique pebble beach, and from delving into indigenous history to enjoying the numerous surrounding cultural and leisure facilities, Qixingtan offers a diverse range of experiences.
Whether you seek to feel the grandeur of the Pacific, explore aboriginal history, savor local flavors, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the seaside, Qixingtan is sure to meet your expectations.
It is not only a symbol of Hualien but also a microcosm of Taiwan’s unique east coast charm, waiting for every traveler to explore and discover.